FIN 201 Fundamentals of Financial Management

Fall 2016

Instructor: Carolyn Mancini

Contact Information
Telephone & Text: 203.605.8796
Email: Carolyn.Mancini@quinnipiac.edu
Office Hours: School of Business 230; Tuesdays & Thursday s 12:45 2:00 p.m. and by appointment
Mission Statement
The School of Business provides the foundation for lifelong learning to meet the business and leadership challenges of
today and tomorrow.
Values
We pursue a supportive learning environment both inside and outside of the classroom that provides our students
with opportunities to develop the expertise required to distinguish themselves academically and professionally.
We are devoted to the principles of integrity and pledge to be ethical, honest, fair, respectful and responsible in our
interactions with others.
We embrace diversity in people and in ideas.
We systematically assess our teaching efforts and our curricula to ensure learning.
We are dedicated to the continual development of our faculty in terms of teaching and research.
We actively support scholarship that advances business practice and pedagogy.
We are committed to mutually beneficial collaboration with the business community that advances the education of
our students and the research of our faculty.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of financial management. Topics include the uses and valuation
of securities, the structure and purpose of capital markets, financial risk and investments, and corporate financial analysis
and decision-making. Prerequisite: EC 111.
Course Overview
FIN 201 provides an introduction to corporate finance. Topics include: evaluating a firms financial performance, risk and
return relationships, the time value of money, security valuation, capital budgeting decision making, and capital structure
policies. After completion of the course, students will understand the basic concepts of corporate finance, and be able to
apply these concepts to a variety of real financial decisions.
Class time will consist of lectures and the discussion and solution of applied problems. FIN 201 is both a quantitative and
a qualitative course. The purpose of class coverage is to ensure that students gain an understanding of both components.
During the semester, numerous problems will be assigned for in-class coverage. Such problems illustrate the major points
in a chapter; they are given so that students can determine their level of proficiency in a topic area. Students are required
to attempt all assigned problems in order for their full benefit to be realized.
This is a challenging course. Individual study outside of class is required to master the material being presented in the
classroom. Students should expect to spend approximately three hours per week on this course, outside of class time.
Class attendance and participation is also critical to a students success in this course. If students attend class, complete
assigned in-class problems, and carefully read and study the required text, the potential to perform well in this course is
significantly enhanced.

Required Text: Students are required to purchase Brigham, E. and J. Houston, Fundamentals of Financial
Management), Cengage Learning 2009. 14th edition with Mind Tap online resource.

FIN 201 Fundamentals of Financial Management

Fall 2016
Required Calculator: To ease the calculation procedures associated with the quantitative aspect of the course, students
are required to purchase a financial calculator. Texas Instruments BAII Plus (or the BAII Plus Professional) is the
only calculator that will be allowed for use during tests and examinations in FIN 201. There will be no sharing of
calculators on tests or exams. You cannot use a calculator application on your cell phone. Further, no cell phones are
allowed in class.
Grading
40% - There will be two non-cumulative tests throughout the semester. Each test will be weighted 20%. Topic
coverage on these tests is reflected in the Tentative Schedule of Topics in this course outline. All will be held during
regularly scheduled class periods; dates will be announced in class with a minimum of one weeks advance notice.
During tests students will be given a formula sheet for assistance with quantitative questions. Anticipated absences
from tests (due to intercollegiate athletic events, religious obligations, or the like) must be made known prior to the
day of the test. There will be no make-up tests or quizzes except as permitted by university policy.
20% - A company analysis project will be assigned at the beginning of the semester. Instructions will be posted on
Blackboard. There will be interim submissions throughout the semester timeliness is critical and no late submissions
will be accepted unless approved by me in advance.
10% - There will be 4 excel spreadsheet problems throughout the semester.
5% - Homework will be checked at the start of class throughout the semester. In order to receive full credit students
must complete all assigned homework.
25% - At the end of the semester, there will be a common departmental, cumulative final for all sections of FIN 201.
Academic Honesty
Integrity is a crucial part of the academic experience. I expect you to be honest with me in all conversations and
discussions and to treat fellow students and me with respect. You must observe the University Academic Integrity Policy
as found in the Quinnipiac University Student Handbook. You must always do your own work, and you may never
plagiarize or cheat on tests or papers. Follow the guidelines attached to this syllabus and any others handed out during the
semester. Furthermore, all work you turn in must be completed by you for this specific class. Failure to follow this policy
could lead to an F in the course, suspension, and even expulsion from the University. By taking the course and by
attending Quinnipiac University you agree to these conditions. Please see me at any time with questions.
The Learning Commons
Quinnipiac University recognizes that each student learns differently. The Learning Commons offers a wide range of
services and assistance to its students. Many students make use of the services offered - services which include: tutoring,
learning skills seminars, peer study groups, and individual academic counseling. To find out more contact The Learning
Commons.
Peer Study Group Program
This semester Quinnipiac will continue to offer a learning enhancement program. This is a weekly review study session
for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grade. A Peer Fellow will
be assigned to this class but you should feel free to attend any peer study group session.

FIN 201 Fundamentals of Financial Management

Fall 2016
Tentative Schedule

Topic

Chapter

Due

1. August 30

Overview of Financial Management

1 Lecture

2. September 1

Review Ch. 1

3. September 6

Financial Markets & Institutions

4. September 8

Review Ch. 2

5. September 13

Financial Statements & Cash Flow

6. September 15

Review Ch. 3

7. September 20

Analysis of Financial Statements

8. September 22

Review Ch. 4

9. September 27

Time Value of Money

10. September 29

Review Ch. 5

11. October 4

Review for Test

12. October 6

Test Chapters 1-5

13. October 11

Interest Rates

14. October 13

Review Ch. 6

15. October 18

Bonds and Their Valuation

16. October 20

Review Ch. 7

17. October 25

Risk and Return

18. October 27

Review Ch. 8

19. November 1

Stocks and Their Valuation

20. November 3

Review Ch. 9

21. November 8

Cost of Capital

22. November 10

Review Ch. 10

Project Part 6 / HW10

23. November 15

Review for Test

Test Review Questions

24. November 17

Test Chapters 6 -10

25. November 29

Capital Budgeting

26. December 1

Review Ch. 11

27. December 6

Company Presentations

Project Part 8

28. December 8

Company Presentations

Project Part 8

29. December 12-15

Final Exam Week

HW1
2 Lecture

Project Part 1
HW2

3 Lecture

Project Part 2
HW3

4 Lecture
Project 3 / HW4 / Excel 3
5 Lecture

Excel 4
HW5
Project Part 4
Test

6 Lecture

Excel 5
HW6

7 Lecture
HW 7
8 Lecture

Project Part 5
HW8

9 Lecture
HW9
10 Lecture

Test

Test

11 Lecture

Excel 10
HW11 / Project Part 7